HOYER: REP. CHET EDWARDS LEADS THE FIGHT TO SUPPORT MILITARY FAMILIES

Succeeds in Reversing the Military Widows Tax

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer released the following statement in strong support of the effort by Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX) to end the “military widows tax.” Rep. Edwards led the Democratic fight to force the Republican leadership to reverse the reduction of military survivors’ benefits annuities, which currently begins when the survivor reaches 62. The reversal is included in the Department of Defense Reauthorization Conference Report, which is expected to pass the House today:

“My good friend and colleague, Rep. Chet Edwards, has once again shown why he is considered such a powerful leader on issues that affect military families. The Republican leadership was obviously reluctant to reverse the military widows tax, and tried to push it to the back burner. However, Chet refused to be deterred by GOP intransigence, and organized a determined effort to include this provision in the Department of Defense conference report.

“Thanks to his dedication to our troops, the widows, widowers, and other survivors of military servicemen and women will no longer have to lose part of the benefits they depend on. I congratulate Rep. Edwards on the successful passage of this crucial legislation, as it heads to the President’s desk.”